I say to anyone who will listen that the state of Texas should invest more in public education. Most of the time I base that argument on the moral and ethical implications of investing in our future citizens. In my mind, investing in young people is simply the right thing to do.

For the second year in a row, Northside ISD honored members of the military (active duty and veterans) and first responders during America’s Heroes Week, Sept. 19-24. Those with military ID or in uniform received free admission to all varsity football and volleyball games.

Brenda Johnson, orchestra teacher at O’Connor HS, was told by her principal, Jackie Horras, that NISD-TV would be coming to take video of her classroom Tuesday morning. She had no idea it was all a ruse.

The Plaza of Influence at the Northside Sports Gym recognizes Northside educators who have gone Beyond the Game to make a positive difference in the lives of their students. This commitment to make a difference exemplifies the mission of Northside ISD.

While one-on-one communication is the best, in a District as large as Northside ISD it is sometimes difficult. Because we want our parents to stay informed, NISD has several ways that parents and other interested citizens can stay informed about the successes and challenges of San Antonio’s premier school district, as well as news about their children’s schools.

Dr. Simran Jeet Singh is always on the run, both figuratively and literally. The marathon runner, devoted husband, and doting father splits his time between San Antonio and New York City. He is an active member of the Sikh community and a regular contributor to The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Guardian.

Last night, Trustees discussed and took action on several items: approved a $1.3 billion budget for 2016-2017; appointed members of the School Boundary Advisory Committee and approved members of the School Health Advisory Council; approved the schematic designs for security lobbies at nine elementary schools; and approved administrative appointments.

The start of the next school year will be here soon, so now’s the time to start planning on what you might need to be ready. To find out the answer to such questions as what school supplies to get, when bus schedules are announced, or where to register your child for school, visit Northside ISD’s Back to School website.

For students who have yet to update their immunizations, University Health System will have its mobile clinic available at Gustafson Stadium, located at Loop 410 and Culebra. The "shots bus" will be there from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 22 through Wednesday, Aug. 25.

Thirty-nine thousand students at 49 Northside ISD schools will receive free breakfast and lunch this coming school year thanks to the federal Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act which will provide the financial support needed, according to Dr. Brian T. Woods, superintendent.

Before 106,000 students arrive for the first day of school on Aug. 22, a brigade of new teachers first have to be schooled. More than 700 new and new-to-Northside ISD teachers went “back-to-school” during New Teacher Academy, an intense three-day professional development designed to share the culture and the expectations of South Texas’ largest school district.

The Northside Learning Tree After School Program is seeking outgoing, energetic, and positive role models to fill 85 part-time Youth Leader Instructor positions. Interested applicants should stop by the Learning Tree Job Fair on Thursday, August 11 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Northside Learning Center, 6632 Bandera Road, Building D.

When the first early childhood class was held in 1837, it was a place for telling stories, singing, coloring pictures, making friends, and learning to share. In 2016, early childhood education is drastically different.

The Texas Tribune reports that thousands of families are moving to Texas every year from other states because of favorable economic conditions and jobs availability. In fact California, Florida and Illinois top the list of where the new Texans are coming from. Louisiana, New Mexico and New York are also among the top states losing population to Texas.

Northside

Northside ISD complies with federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on basis of race, color, national origin, age, gender, sex, or disability. To request access to (or notify NISD regarding) online information or functionality that is not accessible, contact webmaster@nisd.net or call the communications department at (210) 397-8550. Any person who believes that he or she has been subjected to discrimination on the basis of disability may file a grievance by contacting Anna Draker at (210) 397-8741.